Category Upgrade

I have upgraded from a category 5 racer with USA Cycling, to a category 3. The upgrade was needed for a few reasons. First, it's just a bit too dangerous riding in the lower category as the bike handling skills of the group are not that great and I don't want to crash for no good reason. Secondly, my family was embarrassed that I was racing as a cat 5 considering my previous experience and exploits. And thirdly, I needed the motivation for getting faster. Hopefully this upgrade will be a good thing and not have me dying to hang on with my tongue on the top tube.

First Race of the Year.

So I did two criteriums this past weekend and did okay in both. Top 10, but I haven't seen the official results yet. This year I am doing category 5 races as my fitness wasn't up to the PRO I/II level it once was. Here are some photo links to the ultra wet Land Park Criterium and the windy West Sac Criterium.

Land Park - SGW
Land Park -Velocommunity

West Sac - SGW
West Sac - Velocommunity

On another note, I saw my former team-mate, friend and cycling legend Michael Carter at the Land Park Crit. He was here in town this past week with two guys he is currently coaching. Michael rode the 1992 Tour de France and was a world class climber. Michael is racing this year with the Marco Polo Cycling team and just finished the Tour of Qatar along with a ton of europros.